Quick Facts About Body Lift
Achieve the Body Shape You Desire
Excess skin in certain areas is common following significant weight loss or pregnancy. When skin sags, you might not quite feel like yourself, impacting your self-confidence and comfort. However, with a body lift in Chicago, you can restore your body’s shape and regain confidence.
If you’re looking for the best body lift surgeon to address your silhouette concerns, this guide is for you. At Impressions Chicago, our team includes Dr. Eric W. Anderson, a highly skilled surgeon who specializes in body procedures like body lift contouring in Chicago. Whether you’re considering a lower body lift, full body lift surgery, or any other type of body contouring in Chicago, we’re here to guide you through the process.
What Is a Body Lift?
A body lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and enhances the body’s natural contours. Many patients turn to this procedure after losing weight, whether through bariatric surgery or dedicated lifestyle changes. Others seek body lifts following pregnancy, which can stretch and weaken the skin and muscles in several areas.
Types of Body Lift Procedures
At Impressions, we offer different types of post-pregnancy and post-weight loss surgery in Chicago. Whether you’re seeking upper, lower, or full body lift surgery in Chicago, our team will customize a treatment plan to target the areas you want to improve.
Lower Body Lift Surgery
Lower body lift surgery focuses on the lower half of the body, such as the abdomen, flanks, hips, buttocks, and thighs. Areas of focus may include the following:
- Abdomen: Weight loss or pregnancy can lead to excess skin and weakened abdominal muscles. An abdomen lift (or tummy tuck) tightens the underlying muscles and removes loose skin for a flatter, firmer stomach.
- Hips and legs: A lower body lift smooths the hips and flanks, lifts sagging buttocks, and reshapes the thighs or sagging below the knee. These changes can enhance the body’s appearance while helping patients move more freely and confidently.
Great candidates for a lower body lift are those in good general health who have reached a stable weight. A lower body lift in Chicago is especially ideal for individuals with skin folds that hinder their daily activities or clothing choices.
Upper Body Lift Surgery
Upper body lift target areas include the arms, back, and chest. After weight loss, these areas often retain sagging skin that doesn’t respond to dietary changes, exercise, or other non-surgical treatments. An upper body lift may target and tone multiple areas, such as:
- Arms: Loose, sagging skin on the upper arms, or “bat wings,” is a common concern after extreme weight loss. An arm lift can remove excess skin and reshape the upper arms for a toned appearance.
- Breasts: For individuals experiencing sagging in the chest area, breast lift surgery or breast augmentation can restore firmness. A breast lift focuses on repositioning and reshaping the breasts, while augmentation can add volume with implants.
- Back or chest: A back lift eliminates skin folds, while a chest lift targets loose skin around the upper torso.
Total Body Lift Surgery
A total body lift combines the benefits of both upper and lower body lift procedures, addressing body-shape concerns from head to toe. This comprehensive surgery works well for people who have experienced extreme weight loss and want to target multiple areas at once.
With a total body lift, patients can achieve their desired physique without getting multiple surgeries over time. Naturally, this procedure requires a more extended surgery and recovery period. However, if you are in good health and have realistic expectations, you may be a good candidate for this type of Chicago body lift.
Combination With Liposuction
Patients can sometimes benefit from combining a body lift with liposuction. This dual procedure can address stubborn fat deposits and enhance the results of your body lift for a more sculpted appearance.
Best Body Lift Surgeon in Chicago
At Impressions Chicago, we are proud to offer the expertise of Dr. Eric W. Anderson, one of the most highly regarded body lift surgeons in the Chicago area. Specializing in transformative breast and body plastic surgery, Dr. Anderson brings unparalleled skill, compassionate care, and a patient-first approach to every procedure.
Benefits of a Body Lift
Choosing a body lift can improve both your physique and quality of life. Consider the many benefits of a body lift in Chicago.
- Improved comfort: Those experiencing skin irritation and restricted movement due to excess skin can move more freely.
- Restored confidence: Regain self-confidence with firmer, more defined body contours.
- Healthier skin: Removing loose skin reduces the risk of infections and chafing, promoting greater overall health.
- Comprehensive results: Address multiple areas of concern in a single surgery for a fully refreshed look.
What To Expect on the Journey to a Body Lift
If you’re considering a body lift, you’ll want to schedule a consultation with Impressions to review the procedure's details. Dr. Anderson will discuss your medical history, including weight loss or pregnancy.
The goal of this appointment is to identify your areas of concern and determine whether you’re a good candidate for body contouring. We also aim to ensure you set realistic expectations and feel confident moving forward. From there, Dr. Anderson will design a personalized treatment plan for your unique body and lifestyle.
Pre-Operative Steps
Proper preparation before a body lift surgery helps ensure the best outcomes and a smoother recovery. Here’s how to prepare.
- Eat well and exercise: Consume a healthy, nutrient-rich diet to boost your immune system and promote healing. Incorporate light exercise according to your doctor’s orders.
- Stop smoking and adjust medications: Smoking can interfere with healing and increase risks during surgery. Stop smoking well in advance, as directed by your surgeon. Inquire whether to temporarily stop certain medications or supplements, such as blood thinners.
- Arrange for transportation and aftercare: Plan to have someone drive you to and from surgery and help during the first week of recovery.
The Procedure
Typically performed under general anesthesia, body lift surgery lasts four to six hours. The length of the procedure depends on the extent of the surgery.
Your surgeon will make careful incisions to remove extra skin and reshape the body, creating a tighter, more toned appearance. Lastly, sutures are applied to close the incisions and let the healing process begin. Dr. Anderson’s careful approach ensures minimal scarring and symmetrical, natural-looking results.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from a body lift takes time. Following aftercare instructions, including the use of compression garments, is key to optimal healing and results.
- First two to three weeks: Rest up! Swelling and bruising are normal but will gradually subside.
- Weeks four to six: Resume light activities. Follow Dr. Anderson’s recommendations on when it’s safe to return to work or exercise.
- Six to 12 months: Expect results to become obvious as your body heals and swelling disappears.
Cost of a Body Lift in Chicago
The cost of a body lift in Chicago varies based on several factors. These include the surgeon’s expertise and experience, facility fees and aftercare services, and the complexity of the procedure. At Impressions, we will work with you to explore financing options to make the procedure accessible.
FAQ About Body Lift Surgery
Depending on the extent of the surgery, most body lifts take between four to six hours.
Recovery time varies, but most patients can resume light activities after four to six weeks. Full results are visible within six to 12 months.
While scars are inevitable with surgery, Dr. Anderson carefully places incisions to minimize visibility. Over time, scars will fade significantly.
Body lift procedures are typically considered cosmetic and are not covered by insurance. However, there may be exceptions if excess skin causes medical issues.
As with any surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, and scarring. Choosing an experienced surgeon like Dr. Anderson minimizes these risks.
Absolutely, as long your doctor clears you to do so. Many patients combine a body lift with liposuction, breast lifts, or tummy tucks.
Reach a stable weight before surgery to ensure lasting results. Significant weight changes after surgery may affect the outcome.
Good candidates are those with stable weight, overall good health, and realistic expectations.
Depending on your preferences, a body lift can target the upper body, lower body, or both. Treatment areas include the abdomen, arms, back, chest, thighs, and buttocks.
Proper rest and recovery time will help promote healing and preserve your results. Eating a healthy diet and getting adequate exercise following recovery will help you maintain your physique.
In the first week, you’ll experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which you can manage with medications and rest. Light walking is typically OK, but you should avoid strenuous activities.
Non-surgical options, like skin tightening treatments, can help with minor sagging. However, people with significant excess skin removal typically rely on body lift procedures.
Why Choose Impressions Chicago?
At Impressions Chicago, we’re committed to providing exceptional care in a supportive and compassionate environment. Dr. Anderson’s extensive experience and patient-first approach ensure you receive the highest level of expertise and attention. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your dream body and regain your confidence.
If you’re ready to transform your body and improve your quality of life, Impressions Chicago will guide you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation today to explore your options and begin your journey to a firmer, more confident you.
Our Happy Clients
Wonderful doctor! Absolutely an amazing experience. He and his nurses were all very thorough and respectful. My results from surgery was everything I had hoped for! The healing process is going very smooth, as well! Definitely can’t wait to see the healed and finished look!